A Study of World Bank Approach to Poverty Alleviation in Developing Countries with Special Emphasis on Nigeria

Abstract

Poverty is a global phenomenon, especially in the less developed countries, and it has aroused the concern of all and sundry all over the world, including individuals, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), multilateral institutions, such as the World Bank and the UNDP, as well as National Governments. This research studied is based on two (2) pronged approach for sustainable poverty reduction: broad based economic growth to generate Income earning opportunities for the poor; and improved access to basic social services, so that the poor can take advantage of the income earning opportunities. This approach obviously presumes the inclusion of a social safety net for the most vulnerable groups in the society who cannot work. The main purpose of the study was to assess, examine and provide feedback from implementation experience and to maintain a record of implementation experience to facilitate ex-post evaluation of poverty eradication impact of the programme on rural infrastructures, food production, Income and living conditions of the rural farmers, Also to examine the indicators for evaluation of the poverty reduction effects and proffers a descriptive model for such Impact evaluation. At the end of the study, the researcher made summarized findings: - i. That strategies for poverty alleviation should therefore be based on the nature of poverty identified I the main structures and policies that generate and nurture it. ii. Once the poor and their unsatisfied needs have been identified the strategies aimed at poverty alleviation can then be fashioned. Hi. Sustainable poverty alleviation strategy should not focus narrowly on social welfare measures, Rather asset redistribution and creation of incentive structures that can enhance the rate and pattern of economic growth should be seen as essential component. Based on the above findings, the recommendation is that the use of Food Poverty Line (FPL) or the Overall Poverty Line (OPL) should be used to identify the poor and their characteristics. This will make it easier for development effort to focus more on the issue of poverty alleviation.